This letter was penned by Robert James Clark (1839-1905), the son of Thomas Alexander Clark (1805-1885) and Mary Thompson (1812-1884). He attended the Chestnut Level Academy and then the Pennsylvania Medical University, after which he practiced medicine in Drumore, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. In his letter, Robert mentions his older brother William Thompson Clark (1836-1911) who was serving as a sergeant in Co. B of the 79th Pennsylvania Infantry with Gen. Negley’s Division. William was wounded in the Battle of Perryville a few months later but survived the war. See also—1862: William Thompson Clark to Maggie R. Thompson, on Spared & Shared 12.

Robert wrote the letter to his cousin, Margaret (“Maggie”) R. Thompson (1840-1924), the daughter of Thomas Huston Thompson (1816-1877) and Anna Maria Thomas (1818-1892) of Oxford, Chester county, Pennsylvania.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Chestnut Level [Lancaster county, PA]
May 23rd 1862

Dear Cousin,

I have again commenced the duties of a schoolboy and this morning, warm as it is, finds me seated in the Old Academy penning a few lines to you. There is so little news that it is quite a task for me to undertake to write a letter.

This week there was a rumor in this neighborhood that Gen. Halleck’s army was in full flight retreating before Gen. Beauregard, but it is like many more rumors that never has been and never, I hope, will be substantiated.

Gen. Negly who commands the division in which William is in, has moved from Columbia Tennessee to Rogersburg, Alabama. They marched seventy-five miles in three days and had several little skirmishes in which, as usual, the rebels were rather too fast for them and the game got away before “our” boys could bag much of it. They will not stand the glare arms backed by Northern Mudsills. It is more than probable that before this time Gen. McClellan is very near if not in Richmond. When once Richmond and Corinth are taken, the greatest part of the fighting will be over unless the rebels run from them and concentrate their whole force in some other stronghold.

There are now forty pupils at the Academy which is more than I expected, but I think there will be more yet. There are several from Chester Co., and one from Maryland about 20 miles from Elkton. I think he is kind of secesh. He is a nephew of old Twadle. There is a Miss Adams from Chester Co. about six miles from Oxford. Irwin’s old forge I think. She appears to very much of a Lady.

When Aunt Anna was up, Mother spoke to her about taking some butter down to Oxford and this morning she requested me to write to you stating that she would have about 12 pounds the last of next week and if you wished any and if she could dispose of the rest of it she would send it down. She would like to know in the beginning of the week. Answer soon. I remain your affectionate cousin. — R. J. Clark